Donna Oehlert

Donna Jeanne (Douglas) Oehlert, our beloved sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away at 77 on July 27, at the Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Ark., following a long and heroic battle with dementia. She was an incredibly strong woman who embraced life's challenges, always coming out on top. She was born to the late Howard and Marjorie Douglas on Nov. 9, 1940 in Gulfport, Miss. She called beautiful northwest Arkansas her home for the past four decades. Those who knew Donna knew she loved the outdoors and spontaneous road trips with her husband in their RV exploring our national wonders, never leaving home without their two four-legged kids, Missy and Reba. She enjoyed twirling around on the dance floor, two-stepping the night away. She loved spending time on the lake, willing to embarrass you in a friendly fishing challenge, or simply enjoying an afternoon pleasure ride in their boat, even though she was terrified of the water. She was fearless, selfless, and passionate about caring for those who couldn't care for themselves. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Gary Oehlert, three of her own children and their spouses, Charla (Mark) Everhart, Gary (Alexandra) Patterson, and Richard (Teresa) Patterson, and her three stepchildren, Linda, James and Jerry. She was a proud and loving grandmother of 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She was the middle child of three siblings, survived by her brother and sister, Harty Douglas and Patricia Dupuis, both of northwest Arkansas. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Ark. Please insert "In Memory of Donna Oehlert" in the memo section. The family wishes to thank all of those who cared and comforted her during her final days. A private gathering of family and friends to celebrate her life will be held July 29, from noon-4 p.m. in Bentonville, Ark. For information/directions, call (479) 256-0238 or (479) 644-1890. Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home Bella Vista. Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.